Ability
What modal do we use to talk about general ability in the present? Come up with a sentence
Can
What modal verb means “it’s a good idea”?
Should
What modal verb expresses strong personal obligation?
Must
What modal is common to ask for permission?
Can
Which modal verb expresses simple future willingness?
Will
Say one thing you could do when you were a child.
Student example
Give advice: “I have a headache.”
You should take some medicine.
Say a rule at school using “have to.”
(e.g. We have to arrive on time.)
Make a polite request to borrow a pen.
Could I borrow your pen?
Make a refusal with won’t about attending an event.
I won’t be able to attend the meeting tomorrow.
Fill the blank: “You ___ be able to finish this if you focus.”
might or will
What’s the difference between “should” and “had better”?
“Had better” is stronger, with a warning.
Fill in: “You ___ wear a helmet. It’s the law.”
must or have to
Which is more formal: “Can I” or “May I”?
May I
Say one thing you’ll be ___ after the course. (ability)
“I’ll be able to speak…”
Transform: “She can dance.” → Past ability.
She could dance.
Use “ought to” in a sentence.
Student example
What’s the difference between “mustn’t” and “don’t have to”?
Mustn’t = it’s forbidden; don’t have to = optional
Respond to: “Can I use your phone?” (Politely deny.)
I’m sorry, you can’t.
Past hypothetical: “If I had luck, I ___ win.”
Would
Give 2 different ways to express future ability.
Will be able to, can (in informal future)
Rewrite: “It’s important to save money.” Use a modal of advice.
You should save money. or You ought to save money.
Give a sentence using “need to” and another with “don’t need to.”
(Student example: I need to study. I don’t need to go out today.)
Create a formal sentence using “be allowed to.”
(e.g. Employees are allowed to work from home.)
Make a refusal with wouldn’t about going to a party if you’re not invited.
“I wouldn’t go to the party if I weren’t invited.”